User Guide on How to Setup VPN on Chromebook

Setup VPN on Chromebook: While having an account with a VPN provider, you can use it on your Chromebook, too! Also, most VPN companies have something you can download or install for Windows or Mac. That’s a one-tap-install setup. You’ll need to input the information manually on your Chromebook. It’s not complicated. You just need network jargon or define any extra parameters, and any VPN setup to work with OpenVPN is compatible. Here’s how to setup VPN on Chromebook:

Make Sure Before you start…

You can also view if your VPN company has an app in the Chrome Web Store. Many VPN providers do, including the ones we mentioned earlier. However, you can also install their apps like you would any other app or extension.

If your VPN company doesn’t have a Chrome app, here’s all you’ll need to do.

Importing certificates- Setup VPN as Chromebook

If your VPN provider uses a CA Certificate for a connection, you just import it into your Chromebook.

Step 1:

Firstly, Get the CA Certificate from your VPN company. However, a CA certificate is a key that verifies your trust, also your Chromebook already has a number of them installed for web services. You just import the one you were given from your VPN provider if you were given one.

Step 2:

Save this file on your local storage so you can import it.

Step 3:

Firstly, Open address new tab in the browser and add chrome://settings/certificates in the bar, then hit enter.

Step 4:

Tap the Authorities tab at the top of the page.

Step 5:

Hit the Import button and select the file you downloaded.

Step 6:

A box appears asking what you trust this certificate to verify. If you’re unsure, you can also leave everything unchecked.

Step 7:

The certificate will also import and install.

Step 5:

Use these instructions to import a User certificate if you are provided one. Just select the User certificates tab beside the Authorities tab.

Input the VPN network settings

Next, just enter the account and server information you’ll use to connect. You’ll do this in the settings as well.

Step 1:

Tap your account photo in the lower right corner of the screen, then tap the gear icon to open the settings.

Step 2:

Near the top, in the Network section, tap the Add connection button.

Step 3:

Also, tap Add OpenVPN / L2TP. Just fill in the information about your connection in the box that opens. If your Chromebook came from your work or your school, just get this information from the person who administers your Chromebook. Alternatively, you’ll find it at your VPN provider’s website.

• Server hostname: The IP address or name of the server you’ll be connecting to.
• Service name: The connection name that displays in the settings. Rename it anything you like.
• Provider type:
  • Choose the L2TP/IPsec + Pre-shared key if you want to input a second password once you log-on to your VPN.
  • Also, choose the L2TP/IPsec + User certificate if you have a separate user certificate as mentioned earlier.
  • Choose OpenVPN if neither applies to your VPN connection.
• Pre-shared key: Input the secondary password you like to connect here. If you don’t want to use a second password, leave this blank.
• Server CA certificate: Once you install a CA certificate as described above, select it from the list. Or else, leave it at Default.
• User certificate: If you installed a User Certificate as described earlier, select it from the list. Otherwise, leave it blank.
• Username: The username you use to log in to your VPN.
• Password: Your VPN account password. Make sure this is not the same as the Pre-shared key.
• OTP: If you were given a website address or token that generates a One Time Password, generate it and enter it here. Otherwise, leave it blank.
• Group name: If you want to enter a Group name, it goes here. Alternatively, leave it blank.

After filling all the relevant information, now you are ready to use the VPN on your Chromebook.

Step 1:

You can check the box to Store identity and password if you like to able to connect with one tap. If you want to input your username and password each time, then leave this unchecked. Your Pre-shared Key will be remembered either way.

Step 2:

To test your connection, tap Connect.

You’ll know you’re connected when you view a key symbol rather than your Wi-Fi icon. You’ll also view the word Connected in green at the new connection in the settings window.

Once connected without any issues, you can tap the back arrow in the upper right to view other configuration options. These options like a setting to always use the VPN connection or remove (Forget) it, or edit it. If you select not to use the connection all of the time, you can connect by tapping the network icon (the Wi-Fi symbol) in the tray and selecting your new network.